By Darren Noble
Associate Director of Career Services
How Should Your Student Behave During a Behavioral Interview?
Tell me about yourself. Why did you choose this career? These are two of the most common questions our students are likely to be asked during an interview. Increasingly though, recruiters are more apt to ask behavior-based questions in order to find quality prospects. Katharine Hansen, in her article "Behavioral Interviewing Strategies" on www.quintcareers.com, says "the premise behind behavioral interviewing is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations. Behavioral interviewing, in fact, is said to be 55 percent predictive of future on-the-job behavior, while traditional interviewing is only 10 percent predictive." Here are some examples of behavior-based questions:
· Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
· Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
· Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
· Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
· Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
Practice Interview Day
To help our students eliminate the interview jitters, as well as gain valuable interview experience and network with an employer, Career Services is hosting a "Practice Interview Day," Friday, February 24th. A variety of guest employers, including alumni, will be available to help students practice professional interviewing. Interested students are required to register for an interview slot by calling 503-554-2330 or emailing careers@georgefox.edu. If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating as a guest interviewer please contact our office.
Network Like Mad
In her recent article, "New Grads Can Tip Job Search in their Favor with Persistence," Chicago Tribune columnist Carolyn Bigda says students just getting started in their job search need to "network like mad." She notes that "by spring semester, most large corporations have filled their entry-level positions (the same is true of competitive internships). As a result, if you're just getting started, you may want to target small or mid-size employers, which tend to hire as positions open." Our students should focus on the "hidden job market" since most jobs are filled by referrals and networking. Studies have shown that only 3 to 25 percent of jobs are even advertised. This means 75% of jobs filled are through networking! Our students need to utilize all their contacts to discover unadvertised openings in the hidden job market. Friends, family, neighbors, alums, acquaintances, and church members, are just a few of the many different groups students must contact during the job search.
Spring Degrees at Work Etiquette Dinner & Networking Dessert
A great opportunity for students to network and learn professional etiquette is during our Spring Degrees at Work Etiquette Dinner & Networking Dessert, Wednesday, March 8th. A certified trainer in professional etiquette will be our speaker at a formal dinner. Tips on dining, making conversation and other courtesies will be covered in order to help students to present themselves well to employers. This event will be followed by a Networking Dessert sponsored by the Alumni Office. To learn more details students can call 503-554-2330 or email careers@georgefox.edu.
Darren Noble, Associate Director
Career Services
Stevens Center 325, 503-554-2330
careers@georgefox.edu
careers.georgefox.edu
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